MTN Ghana has attributed the recent disruptions in call and internet services to frequent fibre cuts, primarily caused by road contractors, property developers, and other construction activities. Despite ongoing efforts to engage with relevant associations, fibre optic cables, crucial to telecommunications, continue to be damaged.
At a media forum in Cape Coast, South West Technical Manager, Teddy Hayford Acquah, explained that 70 to 80 percent of network challenges are fibre-related. He added that thefts at cell sites also contribute to the issues, with thieves stealing batteries, fuel, and other vital equipment.
Mr. Acquah revealed that of the over 600km of fibre cables in the Central Region, 62km had been damaged this year alone, costing MTN five million Cedis to repair. He highlighted the damages caused by the ongoing road dualisation project in Kasoa, a water pipe project at Bobikuma, and developments along the Agona Swedru route, all of which have damaged cables.
“If Kasoa goes down, which happens every day, and these water people cut your cable, your only lifeline is the Agona Swedru cable,” Mr. Acquah explained. “Once that goes down, we have a certain segment of sites that need to be isolated.”
MTN is working on adding another 28km of fibre cables in the Central Region by November. Mr. Acquah urged the public to help protect fibre optic cables, which are now considered national security infrastructure due to their importance in the digital world.
Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe, reaffirmed MTN’s commitment to Ghana’s development, stating that the company paid GHS 5.9 million in taxes in 2023. She emphasized their ongoing efforts to improve lives through contributions to health, education, and economic empowerment initiatives.
MTN also issued a warning about Mobile Money (MoMo) fraud. Area Sales Manager, David Woasey, urged the public to be vigilant, stressing that customers should handle transactions themselves, keep PIN codes confidential, and avoid engaging with suspicious calls regarding their MoMo accounts. “Do not entertain any calls relating to your MoMo account,” he cautioned.
